Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Cleistopholis patens root bark extract exerts cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin-induced myocardial toxicity in rats

Abstract Background Myocardial Infarction still persists as the most prevalent cardiovascular disease and is a top cause of morbidity and mortality in doxorubicin treated cancer patients. This study evaluated the prophylactic effect of the ethanol root bark extract of Cleistopholis patens (ERBECP) against doxorubicin-induced myocardial infarction in wistar rats. Extraction, preliminary phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity study and body weight (b.w.) of ERBECP were achieved using standard methods. Phyto-constituents in ERBECP were indentified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. Thirty (30) male albino Wistar rats of average b.w. ranging between 100 and 130 g were divided into six groups of five rats each. Groups I, II and III served as normal, doxorubicin (DOX) and standard (Vasoprin 150 mg/kg b.w) controls respectively, while groups IV, V and VI were orally pre-treated with the extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kgb.w) for two weeks prior to intraperitoneal induction of cardiotoxicity with DOX (20 mg/kg bw) on day 14. Results Disturbances in serum cardiac function bio-markers such as; Cardiac Troponin-I (CTnI), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Lipid profile markers such as; Total cholesterol (TC), Triacylglycerol (TAG), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Oxidative stress markers such as; Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH) confirmed the induction of myocardial infarction. Histological assessment of heart tissues was performed to validate biochemical results. The GC–MS analysis of ERBECP identified a total of 69 compounds. Safety profile of the aqueous extract was safe for the animals up to the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg b.w. Pre-treatment of DOX group with ERBECP could significantly increase the b.w. compared to the DOX-treated group during the experimental period of 2 weeks. There were significant (p < 0.05) alterations in the levels of CTnI, CK, LDH, AST, ALT and lipid profile indices in the DOX control rats. Also, significant (p < 0.05) increase was observed in MDA and decrease in SOD, CAT and GSH in the DOX control rats. However, administration of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) normalized these alterations and reversed the architectural changes in the heart. The 69 compounds were screened against the target protein (CBR1); we identified seven hits based on the docking score and interactions with the active site residues. All the C. patens constituents had MW (g/mol) less than 500, HBA < 10 and HBD not more than 5. Apart, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2,3-dihydroxy propyl ester and Estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17. beta. -ol, all the constituents had LD50 lower than 2000 mg/kg. Conclusions The findings reveals ERBECP demonstrated promising potential and can be exploited in the development novel cardiac therapeutic agents.

Concentrating Cocoa Polyphenols—Clarification of an Aqueous Cocoa Extract by Protein Precipitation and Filtration

The seeds of Theobroma cacao L. are rich in antioxidant flavonoids such as flavan-3-ols, which are valued for their health benefits. In this context, it is of interest to improve flavanol content in cocoa extracts. The present study aimed at improving the clarification process of an aqueous cocoa extract using protein precipitation and filtration. Five pH modifications and two bentonite amounts were tested for their effects on protein precipitation and flavanol content. Micro- and ultrafiltration as a subsequent step was done by testing three different ceramic membranes (30, 80, and 200 nm). Lower pH in pre-treatment reduced protein content and kept flavanols constant, while at higher pH, flavanols were reduced up to 40%. Larger membrane pores enhanced polyphenol permeation, while smaller pores limited protein permeation. Adjusting pH to the isoelectric point increased protein adsorption, improving filtration quality despite decreased permeate flux. However, membrane fouling results in higher permeate quality due to increased selectivity. Furthermore, the addition of bentonite during filtration reduced both protein and flavanol content in the permeate, similar to the effects seen in the pre-treatment of the supernatant. Optimizing pH and membrane pore size enhances the recovery and quality of polyphenols during filtration, balancing protein removal and flavanol retention.

Bioassay‐Guided Extraction and Isolation of Natural Herbicides from Dried Zanthoxylum limonella Alston Fruits

AbstractWeeds are problematic plant species around the world. Various strategies exist for controlling weeds, but chemical treatment remains the preferred method, particularly when using natural substances. In this research, a crude aqueous‐methanol extract from dried Zanthoxylum limonella fruits was acid‐base partitioned into four fractions: neutral extract (NE), acid extract (AE), basic extract (BE), and aqueous extract (AQ). These fractions were further separated into seventeen subfractions: NEF1 to NEF7, AEF1 to AEF5, and BEF1 to BEF5, which were then tested for herbicidal activity against the growth of Chinese amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus‐galli). Active subfractions were isolated via column chromatography and identified using spectroscopic methods, yielding seven active compounds: xanthoxyline (1), tambulin (2), atanine (3), prudomestin (4), skimmianine (5), p‐methoxybenzoic acid (6), and methyl caffeate (7). Compounds 2–7 had not been previously reported in Z. limonella. Xanthoxyline (1) was identified as the most potent botanical herbicide, fully inhibiting seed germination of Chinese amaranth and barnyard grass. This compound also decreased seed imbibition and α‐amylase activity in both species. Molecular docking studies on the α‐amylase enzyme (PDB ID: 1BG9) revealed that the aromatic, hydroxy, and carbonyl groups of xanthoxyline (1) interact with the enzyme's active sites.

Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Crassocephalum crepidioides Leaf Extract

The goal of the present investigation was to demonstrate the antibacterial activity of different solvent extracts (methanol, ethanol, cold aqueous and hot aqueous) of Crassocephalum crepidioides against ATCC bacterial cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its antioxidant potential. Furthermore, the chemical constituents present in the extract was perused by Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), along with in vitro cytotoxicity assessment. All the extracts were shown to be sensitive against S. aureus, MRSA and P. aeruginosa except for the ethanolic extract which was resistant to P. aeruginosa. Of all the extracts, hot aqueous extract found to be the most effective. It was found that Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of hot aqueous extract against S. aureus, MRSA and P. aeruginosa were 5 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL, respectively. DPPH results showed that C. crepidioides leaf extract has potent antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 57.9 µg/mL. 22 compounds were detected in hot aqueous extract through Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The results of the cytotoxicity evaluation displayed that the IC50 value of the hot aqueous extract of C. crepidioides on Vero cell lines was 292 µg/mL. This study concludes that C. crepidioides leaf extract is non-toxic, has various bioactive components and strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities, thus making it a promising therapeutic agent for various biomedical applications.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Erythrina senegalensis Leaf Extract Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Biofilms are bacterial communities on surfaces within an extracellular matrix. Targeting biofilm-specific bacteria is crucial, and natural compounds with reported antibiofilm activity have garnered significant interest. The study evaluated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of Erythrina senegalensis leaf extract against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, including Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enteritidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The leaf extract was prepared using aqueous and ethanol solvents, and qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinone, reducing sugar, and ketones. A Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion assay was performed to test the susceptibility of antibiotics, and the antibacterial efficacy of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of E. senegalensis was determined using the cup-plate method, while the antibiofilm activities were determined using the crystal violet titer-plate method. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of Erythrina senegalensis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, anthraquinone, reducing sugar, and ketones. The study found that the Gram-negative bacteria isolates that were MDR were S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, and P. aeruginosa, while K. pneumoniae was resistant to beta-lactam and fluoroquinolones, and S. typhi was sensitive to all antibiotics tested. Statistically, susceptibility to antibiotics had an inverse, weak, and significant relationship with biofilm production (r = −0.453, −0.106, −0.124, −0.106, −0.018, n = 10, p < 0.05). The aqueous extract showed good biofilm inhibition against K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, and poor biofilm inhibition against S. enteritidis, while S. typhimurium and Salmonella typhi exhibited no biofilm inhibition. The ethanol extract did not demonstrate any antibiofilm activity against the tested Gram-negative pathogens. The study suggests that the Gram-negative bacteria’s capacity to form biofilms is negatively associated with their antibiotic resistance phenotypes, and the aqueous extract of E. senegalensis exhibited moderate antibiofilm activity against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. enteritidis.

Beet Root Peel Extract as a Natural Cost‐Effective pH Indicator and Food Preservative in Edible Film: Shelf Life Improvement of Cold‐Stored Trout Fillet

ABSTRACTIn this study, chitosan (C)‐polyvinyl alcohol (P) edible film containing bio‐fabricated nanosilver particles (nAg) (as antimicrobial agent) and beetroot peel extract (BRPE) (as antioxidant agent and pH indicator) was used as spoilage indicator in cold‐stored rainbow trout fillets. DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (43.02%), reducing power (2.87), and total phenolic content (360.50 mg GAE/g) of ethanolic BRPE were higher than aqueous extract. Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using silver nitrate reduction by chitosan, confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscope images, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The highest tensile strength (4.20 MPa) and elongation at break (118%) belonged to the CP‐BRPE film, and the lowest water vapor permeability (2.45 10−5 g/s/m/P) was related to the CP‐nAg film. Also, the lowest total viable count (6.17 log CFU/g), psychrotrophic bacteria (6.27 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (4.9 log CFU/g), pH (5.66), total volatile basic‐nitrogen (TVB‐N) (22.1 mg/100 g of fish), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (0.705 mg MDA/kg of fish) values of the packaged trout fillets were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) observed in CP‐BRPE‐gnAg treatment among the other treatments at the end of the storage period, and CP‐gnAg, CP‐BRPE, and CP treatments were in the next ranks, respectively. Colorimetric analysis of the used films showed that the films containing BRPE depicted color spectra of red to yellow at the same time as the spoilage symptoms initiated in the packaged fillets. It is concluded that BRPE not only increased the preservative effects of chitosan‐polyvinyl alcohol film containing green silver nanoparticles but also can be considered as a natural cost‐effective spoilage indicator of the rainbow trout fillets during cold storage time.

Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) Pod Residue: A Source of Phenolic Compounds as Valuable Biomolecules

This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and a selected group of bioactivities of jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) pod residue. An aqueous extract (deionized water; AE) and a hydroethanolic extract (ethanol: deionized water, 70:30 v/v; ETOH) were obtained via maceration. Ten phenolic compounds were characterized via LC-DAD-ESI/MSn: seven procyanidins, two quercetin derivatives and one taxifolin derivative, with dimers and trimers of procyanidins being the main components of both extracts. Total phenolic compound levels of 2.42 ± 0.06 and 11 ± 1 mg/g were found in AE and ETOH, respectively; however, only seven compounds were identified in ETOH. The jatoba pod residue extracts showed notable antioxidant activities: ETOH had greater antioxidant potential in the OxHLIA and DPPH assays (IC50 = 25.4 μg/mL and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively); however, EA demonstrated greater potential in the FRAP system (IC50 = 2001.0 µM TE/mg). Only AE showed antiproliferative potential, being effective against cell lines of gastric (GI50 = 35 ± 1 µg/mL) and breast (GI50 = 89 ± 4 µg/mL) adenocarcinomas. Likewise, only AE showed modest anti-inflammatory potential (IC50 = 225 ± 2 µg/mL) in mouse macrophages. Bacteriostatic effects against bacteria were exerted by both extracts. Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes (MICs = 2.5 mg/mL) were especially sensitive to the ETOH extract. Taken together, the results suggest potential for jatoba pod residue as a source of molecules with biological activities and with possible industrial applications.

Neurprotective Role of Amaranthus Dubius on Penicillin Induced Experimental Epileptic Rat Model by Combating the Multineurotransmitter Deficiency

Objective: The study aims to clarify the protective effects of Amaranthus dubius (AD) in penicillin (PCN)-induced experimental epilepsy models in rats. Method: In this study, twenty-four adult male Wistar albino rats, each weighing between 200-250 grams, were utilized. The rats were allocated into four groups: a control group, an Amaranthus dubius (AD) treated control group, a PCN-induced experimental epileptic rat model group, and an AD pretreated PCN-induced experimental epileptic rat model group. All groups were administered a daily oral dosage of 400 mg/kg body weight of AD aqueous leaf extract for fourteen days via an orogastric cannula. For the experimental epileptic model, PCN was injected into designated areas of the somatosensory cortex. On the concluding fifteenth day, subsequently, the rats were humanely euthanized. Tissue specimens from the cerebral cortex (CC), cerebellum (CB), caudate nucleus (CN), pons and medulla (PM), and midbrain (MB) were extracted, measured, and homogenized to facilitate subsequent biochemical analyses. Result: Pretreatment with AD has demonstrated significant changes in the levels of antioxidants and neurotransmitters in the brain. Conclusion: Amaranthus Dubius aids in combating multi-neurotransmitter deficiencies and enhances the body's antioxidant capabilities.

Exploring the Anti-Urolithiatic Potential of White Seeds from Abrus Precatorius Via In Vitro Investigations

Medicinal plants are a valuable aspect of local heritage with global importance, often used as remedies for various health conditions. Their therapeutic properties are linked to a wide variety of complex chemical compounds, particularly secondary metabolites, found in different plant parts. Identifying the specific components responsible for medicinal effects is essential. Phytochemicals, which are abundant in medicinal plants, are generally considered safer and less toxic compared to synthetic alternatives. In line with this understanding, the present research investigates the in vitro anti-urolithiatic potential of white seeds of Abrusprecatorius. The seeds were chosen for their possible role in treating urolithiasis. Phytochemical screening of the plant extract revealed the presence of compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, proteins, glycosides, quinones, and tannins.Two In Vitro assays, Crystal Nucleation and Aggregation, were performed, both with and without inhibitors. The study tested various concentrations of plant extracts (50mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 200mg/ml, and 250mg/ml) using four solvents: water, ethanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether, to assess their effect on calcium oxalate (CaOX) crystal formation, which is a primary component of kidney stones.Among the extracts tested, the water extract showed the highest inhibition of nucleation (85%) at a concentration of 250mg/ml. Aqueous, ethanol, and chloroform extracts exhibited notable anti-urolithiatic activity across different concentrations. Crystal aggregation was assessed using a spectrophotometer, and the water extract demonstrated the highest inhibition (78%) at the same concentration. Additionally, the chloroform extract showed significant anti-urolithiatic activity.When comparing extracts, the chloroform extract at 500mg/ml was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of calcium oxalate crystals. Overall, the study highlights the potential of Abrusprecatorius white seed extracts in inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, aggregation, and growth, suggesting their potential as a treatment for urolithiasis. These results underscore the value of these extracts as promising agents in managing kidney stones

Evaluation of ethanolic extract of Piper methysticum leaves on anxiolytic activity of mice

The ethanol extract of Piper methysticum, commonly known as kava, has shown promising results in reducing anxiety. Studies suggest it may have anxiolytic effects, potentially offering a natural alternative to conventional anxiety treatments. The ethanolic extract of Piper methysticum can increase the duration of action. It can also increase the time spent in open arm, entry in open arm (in elevated plus model) as well as increase the time spent in light field (in Light Dark field) thus we can conclude that it can also possesses Anxiolytic action. The ethanolic extract of Piper methysticum possesses an anxiolytic like activity without sedative side effect. The corticosterone level in mice is increased when they got anxiety. So when the plasma corticosterone level of mice is checked in control group its turn out to be 10.28±0.52. It gets decreased with increase in doses. When treated with low dose of Aqueous extract is 7.28±1.44 is less effective than low dose of Ethanolic extract that is 6.22±1.28. Same as that high dose of extract shows the corticosterone level was 6.24±2.28 which was also less effective than high dose of ethanolic extract which was 5.52±0.32. Most effectively stress was decreased when treated with the Standard drug (Alprazolam) which shows plasma corticosterone level was 1.24±0.36. The mice of Piper methysticum extract (300 &600 mg/kg/ p.o.) treated group showed significantly (p<0.05) increased in body water intake as compared to the control group. Results showed that synthesized extract is very effective for the treatment of anxiety. Keywords: Piper methysticum; anxiolytic activity; Anthraquinones; Light Dark model

Green synthesis of iron and silver nanoparticles from aqueous extract of buckwheat husk waste: antibacterial, cytotoxic, and dye decolorization properties

Green synthesis of iron and silver nanoparticles from aqueous extract of buckwheat husk waste: antibacterial, cytotoxic, and dye decolorization properties

Aqueous Extraction and Characterization of Eucalyptus Globulus for Use as Natural Dyes

Aqueous Extraction and Characterization of Eucalyptus Globulus for Use as Natural Dyes

Protective effects from Houttuynia cordata aqueous extract against acetaminophen-induced liver injury

Protective effects from Houttuynia cordata aqueous extract against acetaminophen-induced liver injury

Renal protective effects of Porphyra dentate aqueous extract in diabetic mice

Renal protective effects of Porphyra dentate aqueous extract in diabetic mice

Auricularia polytricha aqueous extract supplementation decreases hepatic lipid accumulation and improves antioxidative status in animal model of nonalcoholic fatty liver

Auricularia polytricha aqueous extract supplementation decreases hepatic lipid accumulation and improves antioxidative status in animal model of nonalcoholic fatty liver

Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide NPs (IONPs) by Using Aqueous Extract of Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus for the In-vitro Antidiabetic and Anti-inflammatory Activities

The Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus is one of the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic ethnomedicine. Therefore the formulation of this plant as nanoparticles will be fruitful anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic as compared to conventional extract. In the current study, the aqueous kernel extract from Parthenium hysterophorus Linnaeus was subjected to synthesize iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and explored their anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic potentials. The results indicate that the aqueous kernel extract effectively produced IONPs, which were verified using standard analytical methods. UV-visible spectrophotometer analysis was used to check the formation of IONPs. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to check numerous functional groups from the valuable phytochemicals present in the extract. These functional groups play crucial roles as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents during the synthesis of IONPs. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate the surface characteristics of the nanoparticles. Notably, the IONPs fabricated from the extract demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting Human RBC by 79% and Heat Induced Hemolysis by 72%, as well as showing anti-diabetic potential with 60% inhibition of yeast glucose uptake and 72% inhibition of α-amylase activity, all at a concentration of 100 μg mL-1. These effects were partly comparable to standard drugs with anti-inflammatory activity of 85% inhibition of Human RBC and 78% inhibition of Heat Induced Hemolysis, and anti-diabetic activity of 67% inhibition of yeast glucose uptake and 78% inhibition of alpha amylase.

In vitro antifungal activities of medicinal plants used for treatment of candidiasis in Pader district, Northern Uganda.

The emergence of multidrug resistant Candida species to available drugs has led to renewed interest in the use of herbal medicines globally. This study scientifically verified antifungal effectiveness of five commonly used plant species in Pader district, against selected pathogenic candida strains. Powdered roots of Momordica foetida, Sansevieria dawei and Distimake dissectus; and stem barks of Khaya anthotheca and Mitragyna rubrostipulatawere extracted sequentially using petroleum ether and methanol, respectively; and total water extraction at 24.4°C (maceration), 60°C (decoction) and boiling water at 87°C (hot water infusion). Extracts and their combinations, positive controls (amphotericin B, and fluconazole) and negative control (80% dimethyl sulfoxide, verified to be tolerable concentration to the tested Candida species) were screened and verified for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC: American Type Culture Collection reference strain 10231, ATCC 90028, 0770a and 0796), C. glabrata (VVc 004, ATCC 2950) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750 and 0210) using agar well diffusion and broth micro-dilution, respectively. Aqueous extract (24.4°C) of M. rubrostipulata (ZOI: 18.00 ± 1.00 to 38.33 ± 0.17; MIC: 3.13 ± 0.00 to 20.83 ± 4.17; MFC: 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00), methanol extract of K. anthotheca (10.11 ± 0.31 to 15.11 ± 0.65; 1.04 ± 0.26 to 12.50 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 100.00 ± 0.00), and combination of aqueous extract (60°C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca (7.89 ± 0.26 to 19.67 ± 0.37; 0.78 ± 0.00 to 50.00 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00) exhibited broad spectrum antifungal activities and were fungistatic against all tested Candida species, which comprised 8 clinical/control and susceptible/resistant strains. None of the conventional drugs used demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity across all tested Candida species/strains. Methanol extract of K. anthotheca, aqueous extract (24.4°C) of M. rubrostipulata, and combination of aqueous extract (60°C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca could be effective in the treatment of candidiasis. They demonstrated potential broad spectrum antifungal activity against different species and strains of tested Candida than the fluconazole and amphotericin B drugs. Their fungistatic nature showed their ability to inhibit fungal growth. Hence, these extracts/extract combination can offer better treatment option for candidiasis if they are standardized and also their active curative compounds isolated and made into antifungal drugs.

Production of Biossurfactants with Aquous Extract of Carobas Using Bacillus safensis

Objective: This study evaluated the production of biosurfactants by Bacillus safensis using aqueous extract of mesquite. Theoretical Framework: Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules of microbial origin with low toxicity and high biodegradability, which differentiate them from synthetic surfactants. Method: The experiments were conducted in a shaker (200 rpm and 37 ºC), with 10% (v/v) aqueous extract of mesquite supplemented with 1% (w/v) yeast extract. The production of biosulfant was evaluated by analyzing the kinetic parameters and emulsification index. Results and Discussion: The experiments with yeast extract supplementation showed better performance in the production of biosurfactants. The maximum specific growth rate was 0.209 h-1, substrate conversion factor in cells was 0.190 gx/gs and 0.041 g/mL of crude biosurfactant in 124 h of cultivation, whose emulsification was 55.20% in mineral oil. The biosurfactant produced had lipopeptide characteristics. Research Implications: The research suggests that aqueous mesquite extract may be a viable and economical alternative as a substrate to produce biosurfactants, especially lipopeptides. Supplementation with yeast extract significantly improved the cultivation performance, indicating that adjustments in the medium formulation may further enhance the efficiency of the process. Originality/Value: This study contributes significantly to literature by exploring an innovative approach to produce biosurfactants, using aqueous mesquite extract as a low-cost substrate. The originality of the research lies in the use of undervalued raw material, demonstrating its potential to replace more expensive traditional sources in the production of biotechnological compounds.

Phytochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Carthamus Caeruleus L. Aqueous Extracts: In Vitro and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies

In order to valorize natural resources and the traditional use of medicinal plants in Algeria, this study exploits the antibacterial effect of Carthamus caeruleus L. Since there are few studies on this plant despite its notable therapeutic potential, this work aims to characterize the chemical composition of Carthamus caeruleus L. leaf and root aqueous extracts and to evaluate their antibacterial activity through an in vitro and in silico studies. Spectrophotometric assays and HPLC results revealed 22 components in the roots and 16 in the leaves. Disc diffusion and microdilution methods were used to study the antibacterial properties against nine standard bacterial strains. The results showed that roots exhibited the best activity on most tested strains. Both extracts were also able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATSC 25922. Furthermore, no nucleic acid leakage or membrane damage was detected. However, molecular docking of the molecules indicates that some constituents have significant affinity and stability for DNA gyrase. Gallic acid, luteolin, myricetin, and orientin were found to have the highest score. The molecular docking data suggest, for the first time, that the antibacterial activity may be caused by the inhibition of DNA gyrase.

Optimization of in vivo antimalarial efficacy of combinations of aqueous leaf extracts of Artemisia annua L., Vernonia amygdalina Del, and Microglossa pyrifolia (Lam.) Kuntze using factorial design.

Malaria continues to be among the leading causes of mortality in Africa including Uganda, with the emergence of parasite resistance to the first-line therapeutics (Artemisinin- based Combination Therapy). To find new therapeutics, this study has reported an in vivo antimalarial efficacy of combinations of Artemisia annua (Aa), Vernonia amygdalina (Va), and Microglossa pyrifolia (Mp) in mice model using factorial design. The Aa and Va were extracted by hot infusion, and Mp by cold maceration using distilled water. The dry extracts were screened for different phytochemicals, and later subjected to in vivo antimalarial activity using Peter's 4-day suppressive test. The 23 factorial design used Aa, Va, and Mp aqueous extracts as independent variables at two levels (-1 and 1), and the percentage chemo suppression and survival time as response variables. The data was analyzed using Design Expert 13 and GraphPad Prism employing ANOVA linear regression modelling and t-test respectively. All the extracts had alkaloids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, steroids, and carbohydrates. The various combinations showed chemo suppression from 41.5 to 91.0% and survival time of 19 to 23days. The first three combinations having lower levels of Aa (200mg/kg) exhibited higher chemo suppression (> 90%) compared to Artemisinin-Lumefantrine positive control at 4mg/kg with 87.5%. Lower levels of Aa in the combinations contributed to high chemo suppression while higher levels of Va prolonged survival times. Interactions between Aa and Mp showed higher chemo suppression, and that between Aa and Va increased survival time. An optimized prediction of 94.4% chemo suppression was made by the ANOVA model at lower levels of Aa and Va, and a higher level of Mp, which is similar to an experimental run which gave a response of 90. 6%. An optimum combination of the three plants as a natural herbal antimalarial therapy was obtained using factorial design, and it offers an alternative to first line Artemisinin based Combination Therapy (ACTs) as parasite resistance looms. This combination could be further developed into a standard phytopharmaceutical and subjected to Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).